Altimeter
Maker and role
Naudet and Cie, Manufacturer
Production date
Circa 1916
Object detail
Accession number
1993.5
Maker
Production period
Description
100 mm lacquered brass Altimeter, No.25. Glass front. Also acts as a barometer. Three scales, the first ranges from 56-78, the second from 0-28 and the third from 30-50
Brief History
An altimeter is used by pilots to measure altitude or the distance above sea level. This is a barometric altimeter that measures air pressure which is the weight exerted by the concentration of air molecules in the atmosphere. Air becomes thinner (less dense) as altitude is gained. With this reduction in air pressure, a higher altitude reading will be shown on the altimeter. Altitude is an important measure for safety, allowing pilots to monitor safe flying heights.
This altimeter was used during WWI by bomber pilot and flying ace Euan Dickson when he was flying on the Western Front for the Royal Naval Air Services and subsequently the Royal Air Force. Dickson led at least 100 of the 175 raids he took part in between May 1917 and August 1918 and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and bar, along with the French Croix de Guerre.
When Dickson returned to New Zealand after the war, he worked for the Canterbury Aviation Company in Christchurch. Two years later, he would also be the first pilot to fly across the Cook Strait and pilot the inaugural air mail service between Christchurch and Timaru.
This altimeter was used during WWI by bomber pilot and flying ace Euan Dickson when he was flying on the Western Front for the Royal Naval Air Services and subsequently the Royal Air Force. Dickson led at least 100 of the 175 raids he took part in between May 1917 and August 1918 and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and bar, along with the French Croix de Guerre.
When Dickson returned to New Zealand after the war, he worked for the Canterbury Aviation Company in Christchurch. Two years later, he would also be the first pilot to fly across the Cook Strait and pilot the inaugural air mail service between Christchurch and Timaru.
Marks
H/ PB/ N/ Naudet & CIE/ Paris/ No. 25/ Aviation Military Printed
Credit Line
Naudet and Cie. Circa 1916. Altimeter, 1993.5. The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT).
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